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Quercus kelloggii Newberry
California black oak
USDA Symbol: QUKE
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
California black oak is a thick-trunked, globe-shaped oak, usually 30-40 ft. in cultivation. The deciduous leaves are oblong with bristle-tipped lobes; glossy-green in summer, turning yellow to orange in fall. Smooth black bark becomes ridged or checked with age. Tree with large branches and irregular, broad, rounded crown of stout, spreading branches.
This is the common oak in valleys of southwestern Oregon and in the Sierra Nevada. The large, deeply lobed leaves with bristle-tipped teeth differ from all other western oaks, but resemble those of Black Oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) of the eastern United States. Woodpeckers drill holes in the bark and bury acorns there for future use, where they are safe from squirrels which cannot extract them. Slow-growing and long-lived, it is a popular fuelwood and hardy shade tree in dry soils. Deer and livestock browse the foliage.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Complexity: Simple Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: CA , OR
Native Distribution: Coast Ranges & Sierra Nevada from s. CA to OR
Native Habitat: Hills & mt. slopes from 1000-8000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Drought resistant.
Propagation
Description: Oaks are most often propagated from seed. No pretreatment is necessary. Plant immediately – outdoors or in deep containers to accomodate long initial taproot. Many oaks require cold temperatures to initiate
shoot development. Protect outdoor beds with
Seed Collection: Best quality acorns are picked or shaken from the tree. Q. kelloggii acorns require prompt collection because of a mold that often affects fallen acorns and destroys the cotyledons. Collect when color has changed to brown. Best if sown immediately as acorns lose viability quickly in storage. Short-term storage in moist, shaded saw dust or sand. Acorns to be sown immediately can be soaked in hot water for 15 min. to prevent weevil infestation. Stored seed should be fumigated with methyl bromide.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
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